For the next three days, Baili Yunfeng isolated himself in his chamber, focusing entirely on a task that would push his body beyond mortal limits, forming his last dantian, the Blood Dantian.`
Having taken the entirely new path in the cultivation. He needed to form three unique dantian in his body for integrating upcoming realm.
Sitting cross-legged in deep meditation, he channeled his Devouring Flame and the Heavenless Qi Devourer technique to refine the very essence of his lifeblood.
His body trembled as dark crimson energy surged through his veins, circulating with increasing intensity. He controlled the process meticulously, guiding the energy with precise hand seals to gather in his heart before redirecting it to his lower abdomen.
Unlike his core dantian, which stored qi, or his humanoid dantian, which refined his consciousness and was the manifestation of his will. The Blood Dantian was something far more primal, forged from his vitality itself.
His very lifeforce condensed into a reservoir of power. Each pulse of energy strengthened his physique, reinforcing his bones, muscles, and meridians to levels beyond conventional cultivation.
By the third night, his body radiated a faint crimson glow, his body pulsing with newfound vigor. The process had been agonizing, yet he had endured it for two days straight. He could feel it now, a new core of strength dwelling within him, waiting to be unleashed.
As he finished, he swiftly removed the formation. Deep red crimson hue flickered across his eyes as he opened them. He slowly clenched his fist, feeling the deep power within himself: "3rd stage.. It's enough for the expenditure."
The stage of forming his dantian had been complete, which instantly surged his power at 3rd stage of mortal realm (Peak of Foundation realm). And, now it was time to put his new power to test.
.....
The early morning mist curled through the courtyards of the Sword Marquis Abode, shrouding the entire grand estate. Baili Yunfeng adjusted his robes and stepped out into the cool morning air. A soft knock on the chamber door interrupted his thoughts.
"Sir, Young Master Xie Tianyang has requested your presence."
Baili Yunfeng opened his eyes, a flicker of amusement crossed across his face.
It seemed Xie Tianyang does not wish to waste time.
Rising to his feet, he pushed the doors open, stepping outside where a pair of guards flanked him, guiding him toward the main hall where Xie Tianyang awaited.
Inside the grand hall, Xie Tianyang stood near a detailed map spread across a table, sword tuck at his waist, mountain drill rat stood on his shoulder. The moment Yunfeng entered, his eyes flickered toward Yunfeng as he entered.
"You're here. Good," Xie Tianyang said, gesturing toward the map: "This is our route to Beast Mountain. The terrain is unpredictable, and the beasts there are far stronger than anything you've faced before."
Baili Yunfeng stepped closer, scanning the markings and notations on the map. He recognized the strategic points, narrow passes, hunting grounds, and rumored locations of powerful spirit beasts. His mind quickly pieced together potential scenarios and countermeasures
"And what is our true objective in Beast Mountain?" Yunfeng asked, his voice laced with feign curiosity.
Xie Tianyang smirked: "We are heading to the Golden Spring, located in the middle part of the first area. There's something I need."
Yunfeng nodded, keeping his expression neutral. He had no intention of blindly following Xie Tianyang's whims, but for now, he would play along.
Anyway he didn't want Diamond Quick sand as of now, as he had already formed the core of his strength, and wouldn't need Diamond Quick sand, which was pretty much useless for him.
With the discussion concluded, the two of them made their final preparations. Unlike other expeditions that required an entourage, this journey would be undertaken by Xie Tianyang and Yunfeng alone, to gain more experience for Xie Tianyang.
They carried only what they could personally manage, light supplies, weapons, and a few elixirs.
....
As the sun climbed higher, the duo departed from the Sword Marquis Abode, making their way toward the wild expanse of Beast Mountain.
As they ventured deeper, Yunfeng remained observant. He had spent his past life honing his instincts to its peak in treacherous land, and now those experiences resurfaced as he moved.
Xie Tianyang, on the other hand, was far more relaxed. He strode confidently ahead, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword; "The real dangers won't appear until we get deeper inside," he remarked: "The outer regions are nothing more than a warm-up."
Yunfeng smirked: "Then I hope you're prepared for what lies ahead."
Hours passed, and the duo encountered their first real challenge, a territorial Iron hide Boar blocking their path. The beast, covered in thick, dark bristles, glared at them with crimson eyes, its breath exuding the strength of 6th stage of Foundation realm.
Xie Tianyang grinned: "I'll handle this one."
He unsheathed his sword, his aura flaring as he lunged at the creature. The boar roared and charged, but Xie Tianyang's blade charged with precision, avoiding its tusks and striking at its legs. Within moments, the beast collapsed and died.
Yunfeng observed carefully and thought Xie Tianyang's technique is sharp, refined yet predictable. Against stronger foes, such direct attacks would prove inefficient. Still, for now, I'll play along.
They continued their trek, moving closer to their destination. The Golden Spring was located in the middle section of the first area of Beast Mountain.
While it was not as perilous as the deeper zones where strong beast loomed over everywhere. But was still filled with danger as Diamond Quicksand was treasure many cultivator would covet.
As he took his next step, a chilling presence surged through the air.
Looks like the elder of Youming valley noticed us.
With the first signs of real danger ahead, Yunfeng's lips finally curled into a small smile.
.....
(If any of ya'll are reading this, I'm extremely sorry as I haven't been able to update the promised three chap a week because of my broken hand. So, The given chapter will be updated at an extremely slow pace.)